Mckenzie, Ken
July 26, 1923 - September 14, 2012
Ken passed away peacefully September 14 after a long and happy life of 89 years. He has gone to join his youngest daughter, Susan (Kevin), and his grandson, Garrett (Angela) who both tragically predeceased him this past year. His parents, John and Mary Ellen Mckenzie, proud residents of Nanaimo’s South End, also predeceased him and as well as brother, John (Elinor) and sister, Eleanor (Andy). He leaves behind to miss him so very much, his sister, Edith (Ted); his loving wife of 64 years, Betty, and their children: Karen, Ken (Pam) and Leah as well as grandchildren: Dawn, Talia, Ryan, Shaun, Anna, Alison and Jordy. He also had the good fortune to enjoy seven great grandchildren: Kyle, Hayley, Jeremy, Karly, Jack, Oliver and Levi.
Ken was born in Nanaimo, July 26, 1923 and lived his entire life in Nanaimo and Qualicum, except when he proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy and saw years of active duty in the North Atlantic on a Corvette convoy escort. After the war he found his life long love, Betty, and they were married in 1948. They began their family with Ken working at the Nanaimo Courthouse, where he eventually became Nanaimo’s Court Registrar and enjoyed many years in that position prior to moving on to work at a private law firm. Ken lived with a level of integrity difficult to match.
Ken retired in the 1970’s to work on the waterfront cabin in Qualicum that would eventually become his and Betty’s permanent home that they loved for many years. All of their children and grandchildren spent sunny days swimming and enjoying many happy times at “The Beach.”
During the past several years Ken enjoyed renewing past friendships and creating new ones at Nanaimo Senior’s Village. After a recent fall, Ken became in need of professional care and in late July moved into Woodgrove Manor where he spent the last weeks of his life on Earth.
The family would like to thank Dr. Vaughan, Ken’s (and Betty’s) physician for many years, who took such special care with all of his health needs. We would also like to thank Connie and Denise and the rest of the caring staff at Woodgrove Manor for helping to make Ken’s last days as comfortable and peaceful as possible.
There will be no service by request.